On 2012-11-19 16:03, coconuttzo wrote:Thanx for the compliments & suggestions. I don't know why I even second guessed the staining. The intricate details always POP much better at a quick glance than being unstained.

Here is another Ku head I'm making out of Wooly mammoth ivory. These intricate details really take a toll on the hand muscles. I don't know how the master, Benzo does it. Are there any yoga exercises for your hands that I don't know about?

Here's a problem I always run into when working with mammoth ivory. I notice that the ivory I work with are not comletely solid but have a few layer seperation within. How do I fix the ivory so that the cracks don't expand any further. I've heard of super gluing the crack but won't that only treat the surface? I've done that on other pieces which have to be sanded down for buffing, only by then, they're too thin to seal the seam which cracks again. I wonder if the grade of ivory makes a difference meaning top grade would be solid throughout with minimal surface cracks only & the ones I have are like substandard grade.

Finishing off with more Hawaiian Weapons of Lua. I am learning some Lua techniques from a friend of mines who suggested I make these type of pendants. Ancient Hawaiian Lua warriors were vicious in the art of war. I was told that the main purpose of the shark teeth in the weapons served as slicing or severing arteries type of implements & not for slash clubbing as depicted in Spike tv's deadliest warrior episode, Shaolin Monk vs. Maori.

The Lei o Mano's broad side, like the Hoe(canoe paddle), was used as a deffensive shield which doubled as a counter attack weapon. Some had a sharp spike at the butt end as to impale the opposition.

Here is a Pahoa 'Oilua o Mano, double edged dagger with shark teeth knuckle duster. The life-sized dagger points are either carved out of the same wood or lashed with a sharp marlin bill. This blade however, I used wooly mammoth ivory. The patina actually makes it look like a marlin bill. I've used this pendant's teeth to cut a piece of cloth, paper, fishing line and twine & the dagger, as a letter opener. It's like an ancient muti-tool survival knife.

I really like the look of this Koa'ia wood which is pretty hard wood. I just wish I had a mini grinder to grind these small pieces. Being that this is hard wood, hand rasping them down takes a lot of elbow grease & patience, two things I don't have a lot of.

Hey Nuttzo, REALLY Nice stuff you've been doing here, I'm more than impressed.
As far as exercising the hands, I just try to stretch often and take breaks when the hands get tired. I usually tell people I just wait for the cramps to come so I can hold the tools and the wood tighter .
As far as the Mammoth Ivory you just need to make sure you get Ivory which has been Stabilized if you don't then it's raw ivory and mammoth layers will separate. I have found the same issues and it is NO fun paying big bucks for ivory that separates on you when you are done carving.
Hope this helps and don't ever be afraid to ask me questions you can find me on Face book too,

I don't know how I missed your thread before... you have some jaw droppingly incredible works! Great stuff I love the intricacy of the designs and carving. I will look forwards to when you can post more.

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" Here is another Ku head I'm making out of Wooly mammoth ivory. These intricate details really take a toll on the hand muscles. I don't know how the master, Benzo does it. Are there any yoga exercises for your hands that I don't know about? "
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Easy Coconuts, just carve more stuff and when you start getting cramps in your hands just Use'um to grip the piece tighter! Other than that I don't use any exercises, too lazy I guess. You are Definitely making some Awesome pieces, Love your full body pieces especially Keep it up.